Author Archives: Brittany Patterson

Congressman Sam Farr Organic Farming In The United States

The Meaning OF Hydroponics

There are many ways to grow delicious healthy spices and herbs inside your home. A simple hydroponic system will help you in your quest to grow plants without soil. You can control the environment while growing food in a cost effective way very quickly. As with anything there are challenges that must be overcome when using this method for producing food but the good news id that many of these challenges have already been overcome by others. By simply knowing where to look and educating yourself you can also become part of this growing trend ( no pun intended) that is changing the way the world looks at feeding itself. With resources being stretched to the limit in a world that is rapidly filling up you can feel pride in the fact that you are “doing your part” to make the world a better place for all.

Plants take in nutrients the same as people do only they do it through their root system as opposed to their mouth as we people do. With hydroponics the plants are placed in a container filled with nutrient rich water that they can “drink. The water is constantly being circulated for freshness.

You are probably wondering what kind of system you would need to get something like this started in your own home, garage or shop. Like anything else you can make it just about as simple or complex as you want it to be. My suggestion is to start with something small. By doing it this way you avoid the mistakes of creating a system to complex to figure out. It also keeps you from spending a lot of money on something you may find out your really not that interested in.

Based on the above a water culture system is probably a good place to start. Most of us can build something like this and you might already have or can readily get some of the items you will need. anything that can hold water such as a container or aquarium. All it needs to be able to do is hold a tray that floats in which you place the plants. the roots hang in the water. You will need a air stone and pump to recirculate the water so that the roots receive the oxygen they need. Keep in mind that this simple system works best for leafy plants such as lettuce. Plants that are heavier need something called a growing medium which allows the nutrients to come in contact with the roots of the plants. With the above setup you can be eating lettuce within a month. You can research different foods that you like to determine the growing time and amount of effort it will take.

So why go to all the effort to grow your food this way? Good question. Lack of both space and money are a couple of reasons why you might want to give this a go. As mentioned you don’t need soil and not a lot of space is required. This is great news if you live in a city apartment or other small area. Looking on the internet you can find some great ideas where people have incorporated small areas such as closets to set up their system. Look at this picture on the HGTV site which shows a living wall. Pretty neat huh? Okay now that we’ve determined the space saving benefits let’s look at the next plus to growing food in this manner. Once you get your system up and running it basically becomes self sustaining. Once your first crop is complete you can begin your next season right away with little additional investment. Healthwise if your system is indoors which it probably will be you won’t have to be applying dangerous toxic chemicals to your plants to control bugs and unwanted pests. Your water will have to be tested for the pH level just like soil but this is a simple process that can be done. If done right you can also expect better yields because your plants will grow quicker giving a faster turnaround time for planting. Bottom line you can expect to harvest delicious food that you have grown yourself. You have reduced the environmental footprint required to grow the food and have done your part in a small way to protect the environment. Something if we all worked on a bit more would ensure a healthier safer world for future generations.

How to Get Started With Hydroponics Vegetable Growing

Traditional gardening methods require a lot of water, money, and resources. However, solutions to this are within reach, and even more efficient. Hydroponics is a fast, inexpensive way to begin growing food in a small space, but how do you do it, and what do you need? The following article will be exploring the exactly how to get started with hydroponics vegetable growing.

Know What You Need

Having the proper equipment is a must for just about everything in life. The same goes for successful gardening, especially in regards to hydroponics. Be sure that you know what every piece is for, and why it is important. Also, be sure to have all of the proper nutrients and how much of the nutrients are needed by your plants. A misstep during a crucial time can decrease plant health, and even kill it. Don’t use any additives your first time setting the nutrients. Keep it simple to reduce any chance for issues.

Daily Maintenance

Use only high quality products to make your nutrient-rich water. Measure and adjust your nutrient water reservoir every day. This will protect your plant from any mistakes, sudden changes, or other things that can chemically go wrong. It’s important to know exactly what is happening in your system. Be sure to have a feeding schedule written before you begin a crop. Keep sunlight away from your nutrient solution. It may be a good idea to change your nutrient solution at least once every two weeks. Use a digital timer to keep track of dark periods. Do not visit your crop after you have visited other crops or being outdoors.

After the Harvest

Take the time to clean and sterilize your reservoir after each and every crop. This prevents any sort of contamination. Have an extra reservoir handy for quick replacement after water changes. Garden indoors once the temperature reaches 13 degrees Celsius or below. Only visit your garden after you have changed your clothes. It would be preferable to keep pets out of your garden. Be sure that visitors to your garden follow similar rules.

Vegetables That Are Perfect For Hydroponics

As you can see, hydroponics is a great way to grow your own food in a small amount of space very quickly, but a few of the growth systems have limitations that might make growing food difficult or disappointing. This could result in wasted resources and time that could have been spent elsewhere, so research is needed to maximize the potential of your hydroponic system. In the interest of saving you some time, the purpose of this article is to provide you with just a few examples of which vegetables are highly suited for hydroponics, along with some fruits and herbs.

Lettuce

This leafy vegetable and many other similar plants grow very well using the nutrient film technique. Lettuce and other plants of this type grow extremely fast using this system, and require very little resources to grow. When you are ready to harvest your lettuce, you can enjoy it in a salad or on your favorite sandwiches.

Celery

This amazing vegetable is an important ingredient in many recipes. Celery roots are short and need to be kept wet. The ebb and flow hydroponic system is much more suited for the growth of celery. Too much water could kill your celery so this system will be sure to purge the water after it has delivered it’s nourishing nutrients to the fragile roots of your plants.

Congressman Mike Doyle Joins The Fight Against Arthritis

Can What You Eat Affect Your Arthritis?

If you are struggling with arthritis, you might want to first look for natural remedies for your pain. A common way to find relief for arthritis pain is to choose the right foods to eat. Here are some different foods that help to reduce inflammation causing your arthritis flare-ups.

Spices

The first type of food to have more of if you want to help with your arthritis are spices. Not every spice though; you want to have more turmeric and ginger specifically. These spices naturally have anti-inflammatory properties, so they are perfect for arthritis. The spices are also really easy to add to your diet simply by seasoning your food with them. There are tons of recipes that use one or both of these spices, from rice to chicken dinners. You can also add them to a smoothie, juice, or even a detox water. The options really are endless.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent way to start reducing inflammation and swelling in your joints. Since this is where the pain from arthritis comes from, that is what you want to help reduce. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a variety of foods, but primarily in fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Try to eat fish at least a few days a week. You can have fish and veggies for a healthy dinner, add some tuna to your salad or lunch, or even have a bagel with cream cheese and sliced salmon on top.

Broccoli

Out of all the vegetables you can have, broccoli is one of the best ones when you have arthritis. Broccoli is a type of cruciferous vegetable that can help with the development of arthritis, slowing it down so that it doesn’t progress any further. It is also considered a superfood, so you get a lot of excellent nutrients as well. Some other vegetables that are good to try include cauliflower, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

Berries

With arthritis, you also want to get as many antioxidants into your body as you can, since these can also help with the inflammation in your joints. Anthocyanins are among the most important antioxidants for arthritis, which is found in many types of berries, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. You can also find it in eggplant, plums, grapes, and cherries. Berries are super simple to add to your regular diet, such as by topping your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream with them.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils For Arthritis

Essential oils are extracted from the leaves, stems, and roots of flowers and plants, offering a wide range of health benefits. For arthritis, there are certain essential oils that can be better than others. If you are interested in treating your arthritis pain naturally, consider one of these essential oils.

Ginger

Essential oils made from spices like ginger are really good at helping to reduce pain from arthritis. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory spice that can help reduce the inflammation and swelling, which then ends up reducing the pain of your joints. There is a slight burning feeling when you use ginger directly on your skin, even when you dilute it properly with a carrier oil, so keep that in mind. You want to use only a small amount when first trying it for stiffness and inflammation.

Turmeric

Another spice essential oil to try for your arthritis is turmeric. Turmeric is a healing spice in the curcumin family that is also a natural anti-inflammatory essential oil. You can use this in various ways for your joints, from getting it in your bloodstream by drinking turmeric tea, to applying it on your skin after you dilute it. You can also add some drops to your bathtub and let the warm water also work its magic on your sore joints.

Peppermint

It may be a little surprising, but peppermint essential oil is actually one of the best to use for your arthritis. This also has some great anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for your arthritis pain. Peppermint essential oil has l-menthol in it, which provides pain relief benefits and reducing inflammation naturally. With this type of oil, make sure you use a carrier oil. It is much too strong to use directly on your skin. It is good to mix with coconut oil before rubbing on the joints bothering you the most.

Rosemary

Part of helping with your arthritis is improving your circulation, which is what rosemary oil can help with. This is actually high on the list of oils that work best for arthritis because of how good it is for your circulation and because rosemary oil can also reduce pain. Some good carrier oils to combine with rosemary oil are jojoba oil and olive oil. This is another oil that is good for rubbing onto your joints that are causing you pain, or you can add it to a hot bath and relax while experiencing pain relief.

Best Places To Live With Arthritis And Fibromyalgia

Arthritis Pain? Try These Natural Remedies

While you shouldn’t avoid seeing a doctor when you have arthritis, it is also okay to consider some natural remedies. These include everything from exercising to using essential oils and herbs. Take a look at some of these recommended natural remedies for arthritis pain.

Try Losing Weight

If you are currently overweight, your doctor will probably recommend trying to get down to a normal weight range for your height. This is done for your physical help and because having extra pounds can be harder on your joints, which in turn makes them start to hurt more. If you are struggling with losing weight, definitely talk to your doctor about it. They can provide a program that works best for you. Don’t rush the weight loss process either; 1-2 pounds a week of weight loss is normal.

Try an Epsom Bath

An Epsom bath is where you take a hot bath with Epsom salt in the bath water. This type of salt has magnesium sulfate, which can be really good for your joint pain. It is a type of mineral that includes a high amount of magnesium, which is known to reduce inflammation of the joints, which then helps to reduce your pain as well. You can either add Epsom salt to a bath, or if it is just a small extremity with pain, such as a foot or hand, you can soak it in a large bowl with warm water and the salt added.

Get More Exercise

If you currently live a sedentary lifestyle, then it is time to start moving more often. The more you move, the more you stretch out your joints and strengthen your muscles. This can help tremendously when you have arthritis. If you notice when you finally do sit up or start walking, your joints are super stiff, that is probably because you’re not moving around often enough.

Try Acupuncture

This is a natural remedy that a lot of people swear by, while others don’t notice a difference. It is really up to you whether or not you want to give it a try, though many health insurance policies will cover the first few sessions of acupuncture. You can try it out while it is covered by insurance, then see if you want to keep going back. With acupuncture, hair-thin needles are used on certain pressure points of your body to help ease pain or discomfort, in this case they would be placed close to the joints causing you pain.

Prioritizing Children’s Dental Care Senator Cardin

Having proper oral health care is essential not just for your dental health, but your general health as well. Gum disease can develop quickly without brushing and flossing daily, which can then turn into a more advanced form of gum disease and lead to tooth loss, infection, and more serious health problems. Oral health for your children begins when they are babies, when their first teeth erupt through the gums.

Tips For Good Oral Hygiene in Babies and Young Children

Good dental care begins with the gums and teething, not just taking care of the teeth when they erupt. If you want your baby to be healthy, make sure you are taking care of your youngsters mouth and teeth from the very beginning. Here are some essential tips for taking care of his teeth and gums.

Before The First Tooth Even Shows

It is important that you take good care of your baby’s gums even before her first tooth comes through. While brushing won’t happen until a tooth comes in and brushing once two teeth placed together comes in, you should still be cleaning her gums. Clean the gums at least once a day by wiping them gently with a soft washcloth that is wet or with gauze. A good way to remind yourself is to wipe the baby’s gums during each bath in the evening. Don’t use toothpaste, but just wrap the cloth around your finger and rub gently on the gums.

While bacteria can’t get through gums before they open up for a tooth to push through, it is sometimes difficult to know when this is starting to happen. If your baby’s teeth start erupting without notice and sooner than expected, there could be an opening where bacteria can get through. This is why you should start the practice early. It also gets your baby used to having his gums handled and cleaned regularly.

First Signals Of Teething

If you are cleaning your baby’s gums every day, you will likely begin to feel when a tooth is starting to break through the gums. It is going to feel like a small bump at first, then around the time your baby begins experiencing discomfort, you will start to actually see it coming through the gums. While this can vary, expect to first see teeth erupt when your baby is around six months old. This happens in stages, where certain teeth tend to come in at certain times throughout each stage.

Phase 1

During the first stage of teething, which actually occurs before the teeth start erupting through the gums, the full set of teeth are already grown and sitting beneath the gums. These are known as milk teeth since when they sit below the gums, the baby is usually only drinking milk, formula, or breast milk. This includes their 20 primary teeth, which already sit in the jawbone under the gums. Stage 1 goes from birth to 6 months of age.

Phase 2

When the teeth begin erupting through the gums, which is when your baby starts teething, stage 2 begins. As mentioned previously, this occurs when your baby is around 6 months old. During stage 2, you can expect to see the incisors come through first. These are the two front teeth on the upper and lower rows of rows. You can probably feel the edges of the teeth like bumps beneath the gums before they poke through. It is not unusually to notice signs of teething in your baby even before you realize he has begun teething. It is during this time when you should begin giving your baby soft toys to chew on, called teethers. This can actually help to relieve pain from teething. During stage 2, put a bib on your baby to avoid chest rash.

Phase 3

A few months later, your baby will start to get her primary molars. By this point, a few more teeth might have broken through as well. The primary molars are the teeth located in the back of her mouth. It is not uncommon for your baby to start showing even more signs of discomfort, which is a good time to feel the gums in the back of her mouth to see if she is teething. Fever and diarrhea tend to be common when stage 3 of teething begins.

Phase 4

You can expect stage 4 of teething to begin around 16 months of age and go through until your baby is about 22 months. This is when he will start to get his canine teeth, which are the teeth between the incisors and the molars. Many of the same signs of teething occur during stage 4. At this point, you might see just one or two coming in at a time, though more likely you can feel multiple teeth trying to break through at one time.

Phase 5

The final stage of teething is the fifth stage, in which your baby gets his final molars. Since these are the biggest teeth, this can be the most painful process of teething. It usually starts at around 25 and can go on for 6-7 weeks. A hard vegetable is good to give your baby to chew on, but watch her carefully so she doesn’t choke on it.

Signs That Your Baby is Teething

In addition to feeling and seeing the teeth erupt, your baby will also give a variety of signs that she is teething. The teeth are cutting through the gums, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. While discussing the stages of teething, you got a glimpse into some signs your baby might exhibit during each stage, but it helps to have more of a distinct look at the signs to look for. That way, you can provide relief as soon as possible.

Teething Rash

As was briefly mentioned in the staged of teething, you learned that drooling is a common symptoms. Since drooling can cause rashes, it is important to wipe your baby’s face, chin and neck often. If that drool sticks to his face for too long, it can lead to a rash. You should also give him a bib to wear to keep it from his chest area but also to keep the front of his clothes dry. When you can feel that is shirt or onesie is wet, change it to avoid any rash or discomfort. Other early signs of discomfort during teething include being irritable and crying for no other reason.

Additional Things To Look For

Babies don’t always cry when they are uncomfortable or in pain, but instead show other signs. For example, your baby might be pulling on her ears a lot or not sleeping well. She may also lose interest in food when going through the teething stages. Some signs are less obvious, such as rubbing her face more often or attempting to chew or bite on anything she can find. More obvious signs include seeing a bulging of the gums, feeling a bump on the gums, or actually seeing the teeth erupting through.

When It’s Time To Visit Your Pediatrician

While teething is a normal occurrence, you should look closely at the signs and take note of when they seem to get worse. If nothing you do calms down your baby, it is time to visit the pediatrician. You should also take him to the doctor if she has a high fever that isn’t going away.

Helping Your Little One Through The Teething Phase

Now that you know what to look for when your baby is teething, it is time to discuss how you can offer your baby some relief. Here are some simple ways to help your baby get through the teething process.

Massage the Gums Gently

When your baby first starts teething, rubbing her gums gently with gauze or a soft cloth can be very soothing. You will already be doing this daily when she gets her bath and also has her gums cleaned, but remember to do this other times of the day when she is especially fussy. Remember to keep her gums clean as well, since bacteria can now get underneath the gums and actually cause plaque before the teeth are fully erupted through the gums.

Introduce Teething Toys

You should also have some teething toys for your baby when he is teething. Teething rings are plastic toys that are completely safe and made especially for teething. Anything your baby has against his gums while teething can offer him relief. You will find a variety of other toys as well, such as the popular Sophie Giraffe. Teething necklaces are another good option.

Give Older Babies Something to Chew On

As your baby gets older and becomes a toddler, she can then start eating solid foods. It is at this time when you can give her pieces of hard vegetables that she is able to chew on. You only want to let her chew on it, not try to actually chew and swallow since the pieces will be too big. So stay very close when you give her these. Carrots are usually a good option to start with.

A Cold Washcloth May Do The Trick

During times when your baby has a slight fever and nothing seems to work, you might try a chilled washcloth. This is not only relieving before you put it on his gums and rub gently, but the cooler temperature provides additional relief. Just make sure it isn’t ice cold.

Once Your Baby’s Teeth Arrive

When your baby’s teeth start coming in, it is important that you begin taking care of them right away. This includes doing certain things to avoid tooth decay and cavities, as well as brushing their teeth and seeing a dentist. Follow these instructions for keeping your baby’s teeth healthy.

Don’t Neglect Teeth Brushing

As soon as you see the first tooth come in, you should already be ready to start brushing his teeth. You want to get a small baby toothbrush that is easy for you to hold in your hand. Consider the size of the toothbrush handle and the grip, but with a head small enough to fit easily in your baby’s mouth. Here are some simple tips for brushing his teeth:

Use only a small amount of baby toothpaste – Just a very small amount of toothpaste that is meant for babies is needed. However, you do need toothpaste because it contains fluoride, which can protect your baby’s teeth from cavities and decay. A small dot of toothpaste is all that is needed since he probably only has 1 or 2 teeth in the beginning. You can wipe it off the teeth if you used too much, but rinsing isn’t needed when using a small amount.

Brush twice a day – Just like you do with your teeth, you want to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day. Brush in the morning, preferably after the first bottle to get rid of any milk or formula that might lead to cavities, as well as before bed after the final bottle or during bathtime.

Be very gentle with brushing – Since your baby’s gums are still very sensitive from teething, you want to be extremely gentle with brushing. These little baby teeth do not need rigorous brushing to get clean. In the beginning, your baby isn’t even eating solid foods, so there shouldn’t be much food debris you are trying to clean from the teeth.

Brush the gums and tongue – If your baby will let you, brush his gums and tongue as well. This helps to further get rid of bacteria in his mouth and gives him fresh breath as well.

Avoid The Bottle At Bedtime Mistake!

One of the worst things you can do for your baby’s teeth is get in the habit of putting her to bed with a bottle. While this sometimes seems like a good idea because she is relaxed or falls asleep while using the bottle, that milk can then sit on her teeth all night, which ultimately leads to decay. Milk and formula is made with sugar, which is terrible for teeth, even baby teeth. Juice is another big no-no for nighttime bottles. If she needs a bottle to fall asleep, it should only have water in it.

Offer Water Throughout The Day

To reduce bacteria and tooth decay from milk, juice, and the solid foods your baby begins eating, fill up bottles with water and let him drink out of that between each meal or milk bottle. This is going to help him naturally rinse his teeth and gums from all the sugar and food debris caught in his mouth.

Foods To Avoid that Can Result In Tooth DecayAvoid Foods That Can Decay Her teeth

There are some foods that are often given to babies and toddlers, but can actually increase her risk for tooth decay. This usually includes foods with sugar, but some others are also included. Try to keep these foods to a minimum, or offer water afterward:

As long as you are taking good care of your baby’s teeth and gums, you shouldn’t have many problems. However, there are some dental issues to be aware of during teething and beyond. They include:

Cracked or Knocked Out Tooth

Dental emergencies aren’t extremely common in babies with their new teeth erupting through, but it does happen. If your baby is playing in the living room and accidentally trips and knocks her mouth against the side of a coffee table, she could crack or break one of her baby teeth. You know how quickly this type of thing can happen. It is important that you contact a pediatric dentist right away, stop the bleeding on your own with gauze, and try to put the tooth in the socket until you can get help.

Tooth Decay Due To Overuse Of Bottle

The reason you shouldn’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice is because this can lead to bottle tooth decay. It is one of the more causes of decay and cavities in baby teeth. Some babies can have it so bad that the tooth gets infected an they actually need a root canal. You definitely don’t want your baby going through this at such a young age, whether a filling or a root canal, so be very careful to avoid it.

Thumb Sucking and Overbites

This might not seem like a dental issue, but it can lead to orthodontic problems. Many people who have overbites actually have them because they sucked their thumbs as babies and young children. This puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and can ultimately lead to teeth growing in at an angle. Overbites and other bite alignment problems lead to misaligned teeth, improper bite, and the need for early orthodontic intervention.

Premature Loss of Teeth

If your baby loses a baby tooth before the permanent tooth has pushed it through, this can create a problem. The permanent tooth might start growing through the gums, but not in the space intended. To avoid this from happening, space maintainers might be used, which hold open that space until the permanent tooth makes it through it.

Bad Bite

A bad bite, also called malocclusion, occurs when the teeth are misaligned or overcrowded. This can cause the jaw to have problems meeting, which then creates a ‘bad bite’. It is more noticeable as your child ages, usually starting around age 6 or 7. You should be aware of this and look for signs of bite problems so you can get your child to an orthodontist as soon as possible.

When A Visit To The Pediatric Dentist May Be Needed

Aside from taking good care of your baby’s oral health, you also need to bring him or her to the dentist. A pediatric dentist specializes in the unique needs of babies and children and their growing teeth. The pediatric dentist is experienced in working with children, so they know how to make your baby comfortable. You want to bring your baby to the dentist around their first birthday, or after their first tooth has erupted through the gums.

The Importance Of Regular Dental Checkups

There are a few reasons why you need to make sure you keep up with the first dental appointments. The first reason is because it gets your baby comfortable with going to the dentist. A lot of children and teens are afraid of going to the dentist, which is a bad habit that can follow them around until adulthood. Once they make their own choice, they might stop going, which results in a lot of dental problems. Your baby needs to feel comfortable with the dentist, which is why you bring him early to a pediatric dentist who is gentle and has a good reputation with children.

Another good reason to bring him early is to get a fluoride treatment and sealant. The dentist is able to provide these on the surface of your baby’s teeth during one of the first appointments, which helps protect the teeth from decay and cavities.

What To Expect On Your First Appointment With Your Pediatric Dentist

The introduction – The dentist will first meet your child and will not rush into examining her mouth. He wants her to feel comfortable with him, the office and the rest of the staff first.

A simple examination is done – Once she feels more comfortable, a very simple examination is done. This simple involves looking into her mouth, checking the condition of her gums and teeth, and looking for any signs of decay. X-rays may or may not be done during the first visit.

There may be a gentle cleaning – If any decay is found on the teeth, the dentist may do a simple cleaning, though it is a very gentle one. No major scraping or anything painful is going to be done.

How to Make Brushing Fun For Your Toddler

As your child gets a little older, he will then start brushing his own teeth. In the beginning, you should have him try brushing his own teeth, but help him and supervise each time. Do not let him do this on his own until you are 100 percent sure he will get his teeth clean every time. Getting a toddler to brush is a little bit like pulling teeth – mind the pun – but there are ways to encourage the oral health routine.

Start Early

The earlier you begin brushing with your toddler, the easier it will be. When you start cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums at a young age, they get used to the practice, and it becomes routine. Your toddler will quickly learn this is something to do at the beginning and end of each day.

Get a Fun Toothbrush

Let your toddler pick her own toothbrush and toothpaste. Take her to the store, show her the ones she can pick from, and let her choose her favorite. There are a variety of fun designs for children, from stars and glitter, to their favorite cartoon characters.

Make a Game Out of it

You can also try turning tooth brushing into a little game. Turn on a song and have your toddler brush his teeth until the song is over, or get the family together in the bathroom while everyone dances to the music and brushes their teeth together. Making it a family event is another great way to encourage toddlers to brush.

Oral health is extremely important for babies, don’t neglect this important part of your young ones overall health. By being diligent in this matter your child will have many years of good oral health and will have you to thank.

AHCA Questions Regarding Mental Health Rep Kennedy

In addition to the physical health conditions of people when they are going through the natural aging process, mental health is also something to be concerned about. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to seniors and their mental health.

Reasons For Mental Illness in Seniors

Some seniors already had mental illness as a younger adult, which then carried to their senior years. However, there are some other things that can cause a new mental health condition to develop at an older age. For example, if a senior has a major surgery or physical disability at an older age, this can cause feelings of anxiety or even depression. Long-term and chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and cancer are known to cause some mental health conditions. The change in environment, such as moving to a senior living community, losing a loved one, or dealing with malnutrition can also lead to mental illnesses.

Symptoms Of Mental Health Issues In Older Individuals

It is important to look for signs that you have a mental health condition, or that someone you know has one as a senior. If you ignore these signs and symptoms, it can lead to more serious consequences. Common signs of mental health disorders include any changes in the senior’s life, from not paying bills to not taking care of themselves, having major outbursts or behavioral changes, or failing to keep their house clean. Memory loss, feeling unworthy, having severe insomnia, and having a sad mood for more than a week or longer can also be signs of a mental health condition. Withdrawing from interests or people is common among seniors with Alzheimer’s or depression.

How To Deal With Parents Getting Older And Anxiety Issues In New Environment

Anxiety is common among older adults for quite a few reasons. You might start getting anxiety from suddenly living alone or being in a new environment, you might be concerned about your own health conditions or that of your loved ones, or you may develop panic attacks as a result of the aging process. If you are a senior adult with anxiety, seek help from a doctor. They can help you with cognitive behavioral therapy and prescribe medication if needed. For anxiety, things like eating right, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and getting regular exercise can also be very helpful.

Depression is another common mental health condition for seniors. If you or someone you know is an older adult with signs of depression, do not hesitate to get professional help. There is therapy and a variety of natural remedies to help with depression and this should never be ignored.

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience for anyone, but it is especially beneficial for seniors. Whether you are an older adult or are a caregiver for someone that is older, here are some reasons seniors should have pets in their home.

It Allows Them to Get Good Exercise

One of the primary reasons a senior should have a pet is because it helps them get good exercise. When you have a dog, they at least need to go out potty a few times a day and usually on at least 1-2 walks a day. Even if these are short walks, it provides the senior adult with a good amount of exercise. Any pet does goes a senior up and moving, whether they need to clean out a hamster’s cage, clean a cat’s litter box, or feed and water the ferret. Pets need regular care and attention, and that little bit of movement each day does wonders.

They Provide Companionship

Seniors who live alone often struggle with the loneliness they experience. Their spouse might no longer be living or they are divorced, and the kids and grandkids have moved out. Companionship is really important at every stage of life, but especially for older adults since they might not get out and socialize as much as they used to. With a pet at home, they have someone offering them unconditional love, who is always excited to see them, and who will provide loyal companionship every day.

Pets Offer Entertainment

There are many pets that are a lot of fun to have around when they play or just do their silly things each day. A senior might get a little bored at home alone and want entertainment that doesn’t involve the radio or television. Many pets love to play, so a senior can watch their dog play with balls and squeaky toys, watch as if the cat practically bounces off walls with excitement, and look at a hamster running on its wheel. Even birds and fish can provide some good entertainment.

They Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

In terms of senior health, mental health is a definite concern. With pets, they are getting more attention, love, and companionship, and in return, their mental health conditions can improve. Depression is often lessened by having a pet close by, especially in the case of cats and dogs who love and cuddle. Pets can also reduce stress by distracting their mind and offering more physical exercise.

Dealing with insomnia is a common issue with older adults. This might be from living an unhealthy lifestyle, not having a good mattress, or simply from having an improper routine on a daily basis. These tips are going to help seniors help reduce insomnia and get good rest each night.

Get Regular Exercise

Getting regular exercise is important for everyone, for many different reasons. With seniors, it helps them to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke, keep their flexibility and strength up, and help reduce stress. It is also an excellent way to help battle insomnia. With a routine fitness program, you are tired enough in the evening to rest peacefully and get a good night’s sleep. You might want to switch to taking your daily walk in the afternoon so that shortly afterward, you take a shower and go to bed. You will be tired and more than ready for sleep.

Develop a Regular Nighttime Routine

Having a nighttime routine that is mostly similar each evening can also help with insomnia. With a bedtime routine, you are getting your body used to the same steps, which ultimately helps your mind and body to relax. This might include having a cup of tea with milk while reading a book in bed, having a relaxing bath, or listening to your favorite soft music shortly before bed. However, make sure no part of the night routine involves things that will get your brain going and become more energetic.

Stop Taking Naps

Naps are sometimes needed when you have a day filled with a lot of activity, but on the average day, you should try to avoid naps. You may find that you really want rest in the early afternoon, but try not to completely fall asleep for hours each day during your nap. This is likely just a few hours before bedtime, so you are really messing with your body’s ability to sleep at night at the appropriate time.

Keep the Bedroom Reserved Only For Sleep

A very bad habit to start is by watching television or using your computer or phone while in bed at night. This is going to keep your brain going and can make it hard to rest. All of these activities should preferably stay out of the bedroom, so that when you’re in bed, the only thing you reserve it for is sleep or intimate time with your significant other.

Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes Awareness REP.DeGETTE

If you haven’t been officially diagnosed with this form of diabetes, but you suspect you might have it, there are some symptoms to look out for. Like anything, you could have all of these, none of them, or a combination. Definitely talk to your doctor if you suspect you might have type 2 diabetes.

The First Sign To Be Aware Of

While there are a lot of potential signs and symptoms for type 2 diabetes, there are some that tend to be more common and usually easier to notice. A common sign is when you are losing weight, but you are actually more hungry. This odd dilemma is often the reason why people go to the doctor and then find out that their blood sugar levels are so high they are pre-diabetic or already have diabetes. You may also notice that you have an increased thirst, which then leads to drinking more and urinating more often. You may also have extreme fatigue where you can barely get through the day, even though you used to have much more energy.

Other Things To Watch For

There are also some other signs and symptoms you might notice. These may occur alongside the previously-mentioned symptoms, or you may only have them if your diabetes worsens and you did not realize you had the condition. A common one is having blurry vision, since type 2 diabetes affects your blood vessels, which include the blood vessels behind your eyes. Make sure you see an optometrist if you have blurry vision so they can determine if it might be related to diabetes. You may also have dry mouth, excessive weakness, or cuts and sores that don’t seem to be healing properly. Headaches can be common, along with getting multiple yeast infections, or itching on the skin. Loss of consciousness is possible, though rare.

Going To The Doctor

If you have any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to see your doctor. You may not have diabetes, but many of these can also point to other possible medical conditions. Don’t put off just having a check-up and discussing weird symptoms you might be experiencing. Even if you don’t yet have type 2 diabetes, you might be in the pre-diabetic range, which means you have the opportunity o make healthy changes and avoid getting it. This is great news, but only possible if you seek medical attention.

Help Control Diabetes With A Low Carb Diet

You probably already know you are supposed to reduce your sugar and certain other unhealthy foods when you have diabetes, but did you know a low-carb diet is also recommended? Here is a look into why eating a lower carb diet can be helpful with managing type 2 diabetes.

Carbs Equal Glucose

The main reason why your doctor might recommend going on a low-carb diet if you were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is because carbs can turn into glucose. Not just any carbs though, so don’t assume you need to have a zero carb count by the end of the day. Complex carbs, like whole grains, whole wheat, and veggies are typically allowed on any diet where you reduce your total carbohydrate counts. It is the refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, white pasta, white potatoes, and more starchy vegetables that can convert into sugar. Since you need to keep your glucose down, this can be a bad situation for you.

Diabetes And Carb Limits

The first thing you should do is understand is exactly how many carbs to have each day. While your doctor will likely provide you with a number of their own, the average amount for someone on a low-carb diet should be around 100-125 grams of carbohydrates a day. You will need to start logging everything you eat to make it easier to track them. A good place to start is by logging what you eat now during a typical day, then see how many carbs you are eating. It will let you see where you are adding a lot of those refined carbs you really don’t need in your diet so you can make some adjustments.

Proper Serving Portions

Even if you know what foods are lower in carbohydrates, you also need to understand what serving sizes are. Eyeballing servings is something you will eventually be able to do, but you might want to start with measuring and weighing your food. Do you know that a 3-ounce piece of chicken breast should fit in the palm of your hand? It is actually smaller than you probably think. You need to know exactly how much of each food item you are eating to be healthy and also keep your carb counts low.

Low-Carb Diet Hints

If you are struggling with a low-carb diet, start slow. Continue eating your favorite meals, but just adjust some ingredients. Switch to spiralized veggies for pasta, but have your regular pasta sauce, go with sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, and try making cauliflower rice instead of having white rice. These are very small changes that are easy to stick to.

Welcome to the information page of Delear for Congress site designed to provide information to the general public on various issues confronting the American consumer. Links to sites which we feel will help educate and inform will be provided at our discretion. The saying ” the more things change the more they stay the same” still applies in today’s world although with the speed at which things are changing this might be hard to believe. It seems that at times the very people we have intrusted with our security and general well being do not seem to have our best interests at heart. But if one is able to wade through the general misinformation out there one will find that there has never been a better time to use the worlds combined knowledge for the average man or women to improve their lives beyond anything they have ever dreamed while helping others in the process. Have hope. Do not be discouraged.

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